Building Fire Safety Updated Approved Document B Published

For building work in England, guidance on how to meet the requirements of the Building Regulations is given in a series of “Approved Documents.” Approved Document B covers fire safety matters and is split into separate guidance for dwellings and other buildings.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government has released an updated version of Approved Document B. The updated version is based on the 2019 edition, incorporating the 2020 and 2022 amendments, and is collated with forthcoming amendments in 2025, 2026, and 2029. The amendments are part of a phased plan to implement improved building fire safety.

• The 2025 amendments include requirements for installing a sprinkler system in all care homes, a limitation on compartment sizes within care homes, and an initial withdrawal of national classes for reaction to fire and roofs.
• The 2026 amendments include requirements for at least two separate escape routes in all new residential buildings of 18 m or more in height.
• The 2029 amendments create fire safety provisions relating to the removal of national classes for measuring fire resistance, completing the transition that started in 2025.

To help with ensuring clarity and accessibility, the amendments are colour-coded in the new edition.

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